Review Summary:

The XC70 is a curious model in the Volvo range, based on the V70 estate car, (which is only available as part of a fleet in the UAE) it sits very much on the fence, unable to decide what it actually is, and what it is actually supposed to do.

Pros

Decent set of features Off-road capability

Cons

It's quite an average looking car

Looks

Ultimately the 2015 Volvo XC70 is an estate car, but by raising it a mere 74mm it becomes an off-road going machine too. It doesn’t look bad, but nor does it stand out. It has an Audi-like quality about it, which means it lacks depth. It is the epitome of average.

Feels

Despite the XC70 sharing the same, classy interior as everything else in the Volvo range, its lack of character on the outside continues on the inside. You almost get the impression that it has stolen the interior from the XC60 just to fit in. Certainly it is all jolly comfortable and nicely done, but it doesn’t feel right.

Engineering

The XC70 may not be the best looking Volvo, but it can certainly claim to be one of the better equipped. It has been built with advanced stability control and comes with All-Wheel-Drive as standard. It has been engineered to tackle medium off-road terrain. The vast array of safety features are fitted as standard.

What’s on offer?

The XC70 T6 is the only model available in the UAE. Fitted with a 3.0 litre, 6-cylinder turbo-charged engine transmitted through an AWD layout. The figures don’t look bad, as the engine produces 304hp and 440Nm of torque. Fuel economy is reported to be fair, with 10.7 litres giving you 100km in distance. You can purchase an XC70 for AED 184,900, although there are better ways to spend that sort of money.

Summing it…

Perhaps I have come across as a bit harsh on the XC70, I actually quite like it. You can’t knock the features, and it is certainly practical and spacious. But it lacks a refined style which appears to be common with other Volvo’s right now. Think of the XC70 as an XC60 that is slightly less interesting to look at, but goes off-road to try and make up for it.

Search By Make & Model

Top rated road tests

A tech marvel that commands respect if only for its breadth of abilities, even if you're not a fan of the looks or have subjective qualms - the latest Mercedes-AMG S 63 ups the power, ups the performance, and the luxury. It ups the ante. It's a supercar with massaging seats

Most popular new cars

Fascinated with the Function keys on a keyboard, the Chinese automotive brand follows a naming regiment that sees models receiving names based on numbers, followed by the letter F. The 2014 BYD F3 is China’s Compact Car that falls into the C-segment and faces competition from the Japanese Mitsubishi Lancer and the Korean Kia Cerato.

The 2015 Toyota RAV4 is a great looking SUV and, being a Toyota, it will certainly be a tough old dog. But with the latest version there is a sense that it is moving away from its off-road intentions to become a more family orientated work horse.